One way to capture the hyped attention before every Cannes Film Festival starts is to jump in with a trailer for a super anticipated film that won’t debut on the Croisette. That seems to be Searchlight Picture’s plan for “Poor Things.” Directed by Greek weird wave director Yorgos Lanthimos, the movie sees the filmmaker reteam with Emma Stone. Last time they collaborated, viewers got the period comedy “The Favourite,” which is definitely one of our favorite films of the last decade.
‘Poor Things; First Look: Yorgos Lanthimos’ Latest With Emma Stone Lands In Theaters On September 8
“Poor Things” stars Stone, Willem Dafoe, Mark Ruffalo, Ramy Youssef, Jerrod Carmichael, Christopher Abbott, Margaret Qualley, and Kathryn Hunter. The film is somewhat Frankenstein-esque in nature, as it’s an adaptation of Alasdair Gray‘s 1992 novel of the same name, and revolves around the fantastical evolution of Bella Baxter (Stone), a young woman brought back to life by the brilliant and unorthodox scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter (Dafoe).
But “Poor Things” won’t be at Cannes and won’t premiere until September, which almost certainly means it’s already secured a deal to premiere at the Venice Film Festival, given the close relationship Lanthimos has with that festival (“The Favourite” premiered there too).
Here’s the official synopsis for “Poor Things”:
From filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos and producer Emma Stone comes the incredible tale and fantastical evolution of Bella Baxter (Stone), a young woman brought back to life by the brilliant and unorthodox scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe). Under Baxter’s protection, Bella is eager to learn. Hungry for the worldliness she is lacking, Bella runs off with Duncan Wedderburn (Mark Ruffalo), a slick and debauched lawyer, on a whirlwind adventure across the continents. Free from the prejudices of her times, Bella grows steadfast in her purpose to stand for equality and liberation.
“Poor Things” lands in theaters September 8. Watch the new trailer below.